Started at 13 yrs old, took lessons from a Jazz Instructor Freddie Manton for many years, then went on to join many original/cover bands, played San Francisco, the Road Coordinator for Santana, Mr. Bob Ramos was our manager at that time, and he booked us everywhere and we got to hang out with members of Santana and that's where i learned many of my Latin, Brazilian, Cuban rhythms i do today (^:. also Los Angeles, Hawaii, went on tour with the Dawny Reb Band to 11 countries in 45 days in such countries as, Iceland, England, Germany, Norway, Scotland, Hungary, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia to name a few..Am currently teaching at a local music store in Calif. I have been their teacher since 1980 and am loving it :o}.... Drum Set in The Mad Hatter Odd Time Signature Trio and play with whomever needs my service's, all bands can be viewed on youtube...just a short review of what i'm up to :o}
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Double Bass, Hand Development, Odd Time Signature's, Percussion, Cajon's..Absolutely Love My Job (^; !!!

What was the first concert you ever went to?

Roy Burns drum clinic at the old Gospel music here in Fresno, Calif. went alone, that really got me motivated to be the best i can possibly be and the Joe Morello Drum Clinic at the old Sound Stage Music around 1967 or 1968, Joe really got me into Jazz Independence and to be able to play more freely and improvise without a thought :o} Also. Blue Cheer opening for The Cream, what a jaw dropper that was, but the one that took my head clean off, was Cab at Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, Ca. USA.... Virgil Donati - Drums... Bunny Burnell - Bass.
OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are so many brilliant artists here on Fandalism ! (^:..Thank you Pud for bringing forth the avenue to let people witness their Superb Artistic talent..You have brought a new idiom to the world !!!
Great place for musicians around the Globe to view what your doing musically in your life !!
Self Advertisement.........Just want to spread the word of rhythm for all who want it (^: Add
Drum / Percussion Icons to the Icon list....

Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?

Buddy Rich, Tony Williams, Joe Morello, Papa Joe Jones,Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Virgil Donati, Marco Minneman, Thomas Lang, Mike Mangini, Benny Greb, too many to mention :o} I Love all drummers cause they bring so much personality to their instrument and to the band their in !!!! Going to concerts and drum clinics/workshops really opened my eyes and ears to their greatness and made me want to practice, practice, practice to be the best i can be !! Also my best friend R.I.P. Jerry Margosian - Vocals/Composer/Bassist/Keyboardist/Saxist/Harmonica/ Guitarist....Miss him truely and he was a huge influence in my learning years of 19 and up !!! Great
Human Being, Sadly missed by all the musicians who shared a stage with him (^:

Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?

Been in bands all my life, original as well as cover, from Jazz to Rock to Progressive to Latin to country to Gospel to Funk to Reggae, whew !! just consider myself a chameleon on the Drums/Percussion, just listen and you shall hear :o} Still performing and doing drum Clinic's/Workshop's for those who want to come to them :o} Mad Hatter Original Odd Time Signature Trio... and sub for whoever needs me (^;;^)

If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?

Too many to name, but Buddy Rich for his improv jazz style, so smooth and Virgil Donati for his creativity, power and technique, Vinnie Colaiuta for his improvisation excellence, many more, Tony Royster Jr. Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, on and on :o} Mr. Tony Williams :o} Anyone who could play the Brush's greatly !!

What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?

Convention Center in Fresno, Calif. opened up for the Ohio players with a R & B Funk Band " Image " back in the mid 70's, thousands of people, same for the tour with the Dawny Reb Band oversea's..Performing with the Dawny Reb Band oversea's was probably my most memorable performance, nothing is better than playing for our great Military people way off in another part of the world, your really appreciated..Smallest was local clubs around here..Oh and also playing with an original progressive band called " Canterbury Fair " back in the late 60's early 70's, we played Fillmore West, The Old Fillmore and many street fairs where there was 1000's of people...

You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?

Anything from Buddy Rich, who was the best !! and i'll sneak in :o} Planet X Quantum CD.
Mr. Virgil Donati on drums !!!!. Miles Davis !!!!!! Chick Corea !!!!